Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is determined to get his man and will step up the efforts before the transfer window closes in eight days.

The Newcastle hierarchy made it clear that the initial offer fell well short of their ­valuation – but the news of Arsenal’s ­interest has unsettled 27-year-old Cabaye, with the France international left out of the Magpies’ squad yesterday for the second match in a row.

Arsenal’s now imminent entry into the Champions League group stages is an added attraction for Cabaye.

The Gunners’ 3-0 win in ­Istanbul, Turkey against ­Fenerbahce last week has virtually ­secured a place in the ­lucrative group stages and Cabaye wants to play in ­Europe’s top club ­competition.

Arsenal are also ­confident of landing Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria before the transfer window shuts. The Argentine’s future is in doubt ­because of Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid ­world-record transfer from Tottenham.

It is believed Real want around £20m for Di Maria and it has emerged Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the winger.

Wenger must move quickly, with the ­transfer window closing on September 2.

He is also desperate to land a new striker, but may be forced to wait and see if Real can land Luis Suarez before being able to make serious progress on Karim Benzema.

Eight days and counting for Arsene to add to his squad... (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, Stoke are holding fire on ­allowing goalkeeper Jack Butland to go out on loan, while they wait to see if Arsenal bid for Asmir Begovic.

A number of clubs at home and abroad, ­including Hull, Monaco, Benfica and Real Sociedad, have enquired about ­the England Under-21 keeper.

Arsenal are interested in Begovic, but have made an offer for Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita and have also been watching Newcastle’s Tim Krul.

Stoke and Begovic know of Arsenal’s interest in him, but the Gunners have, so far, been put off by the 26-year-old’s £17million valuation.

Arsenal have also looked into ­signing Manchester City defender Micah Richards. But the Gunners are set to re-sign Mathieu Flamini, who could provide cover at the back.